I’ve tried this mic under conditions in a small and large room for voice pickup, set on a table. It simply doesn’t have the range or sensitivity they’d lead you to believe. The components in this mic probably cost $2. They need to charge accordingly. I don’t see any benefit from what is purported to be cancellation of phase shifts or noise or whatever… it’s basically a dull pickup under most circumstances. I don’t care how big the table is.
Then, I tried recording a violin. I had to strap it to the violin to get good response/volume but the recording sounded like my ear was pressed to the violin. Right. So, pretty much an overpriced device that doesn’t perform well. Let’s hope they redesign it and discontinue this model.
What do I need for a decent MBP audio recording/listening setup?
Hey.Just bought a new Macbook Pro, and want to know what I need to purchase to:1) Create a respectable desktop-listening station (external speakers, external preamp?, ect)2) Create a respectable guitar/keyboard midi interface to use with Logic (probably includes keyboard, midi interface, preamp?, ect)With the external preamp, I doubt the MBP has an amazing internal preamp, but I am actually not that sure, so let me know if a new one is needed. All of my music is FLAC, Used Pro Audio Equipment and I have a set of Sleek Audio SA-6s.As for the MIDI interface, I want to be able to connect a guitar, mic, and keyboard (not necessarily at the same time, but if I can that’s a plus) and be able to simply record and f*ck around, in decent quality. All that I own at the moment is the MBP, several guitars, and a mic. I plan on purchasing a midi keyboard (with pads, 37 keys or more), but am exploring if a keyboard/midi interface combo is a better idea than buying them seperately. Let me know what you think.First off, simply what type of components do I need?Second, if anyone has any suggestions on specific items that can fill these needs, I would love to hear from you.I would like to spend roughly $300ish or less for the audio listening setup, and roughly $400-500ish on the recording equipment. If this is an ignorant estimate for decent gear, let me know. I don’t really know what to expect.BTW, if there is any sort of external preamp (for the speakers) / midi interface combo (that is cost effective), let me know.Also, firewire 800 > USB 2.0Thank you for your help.
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August 1st, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I purchased this microphone to better record voices in my classroom as I was preparing video segments for National Board Certification. This microphone did not work effectively. I used it seven times, I guess, and then resorted to purchasing a different style from a local retailer. I was recording cooperative learning/small groups, so the focus group for the video was not the group physically near the camera (as the camera was “behind” another group).
This WAS the product recommended by the paperwork on National Board Certification, so I had high hopes. I did have to purchase an adapter to connect it to my 8mm camera. This could have been the problem. The sound recorded on the tape was from voices closer to the camera than the microphone.
If you are looking for this product to differentiate voices for quality sound, I wish you the best of luck. If you are pursuing National Board Certification in teaching, I wish you the best of luck. Don’t wait! Get started early with lots of practice videos so you can work out the problems with sound early!
I DID achieve, by the way, so I do not have any hard feelings against the process or paperwork.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 am
The PZM type microphones are specialized, and only work well when placed on a flat surface (preferably 4+ feet in radius) such as a floor or table. It is low, unobtrusive, and omni-directional — which means it is good for picking up sounds in all directions.
* The Sound Grabber II has a somewhat restricted frequency response, making it more suitable for voices than for instrumental recording.
* It has good clarity, and the PZM design helps it reject some types of unwanted ambient sounds.
* It is priced very cheaply compared to other PZM microphones, and it comes with it’s own power (unlike the more professional models which require “phantom-sound”).
I use it in stage applications, where it does a nice job of picking up the _too_ quiet voices of our elementary school actors.
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I to wanted comment on the review by “A. W. Teacher”, because it sounds like they had the microphone incorrectly placed (mounted on or near a video camera from what I can infer). If the kids were sitting around a table and the microphone had been placed in the middle of the table – than it would have worked great (guessing that was why it was recommended by the National Board Certification).
It is about the worst type of microphone to mount on (or near) a video camera for two reasons: (1) the need to be on a flat surface, and (2) the omni-directional pickup gets noises from behind the camera (something you rarely want). If you are looking for a video camera microphone, you will find the “cardioid” family of microphones works much better!
Crown actually has a nice reference site, with many suggestions on choosing the appropriate microphone for any particular situation: [...]